FAQ
What is Write On for Israel?
Write On for Israel is the premier Israel education and advocacy program for Chicago-area Jewish teens. This two-year program combines the study of history, current events, journalism and advocacy skills to prepare knowledgeable, articulate, passionate high school students to share their views about Israel in school and the broader community. Applicants must commit to attend seven day-long Sunday seminars at Northwestern University Hillel in Evanston, travel to Israel in the summer after junior year, and participate in Senior Workshops.
Who can apply?
Write On is open to all committed, capable Jewish teenagers who currently are sophomores in public or private high schools in the area. While most of our applicants have outstanding academic credentials, we are always looking for teenagers who are determined to share their passion for Israel and to make a difference on Israel’s behalf. Applicants complete a form, submit two essays, two writing samples and two recommendations. Qualified applicants will be invited to a personal interview.
To be notified when 2011 applications are available, please e-mail writeonforisrael@juf.org or call 312-357-4849.
Who runs the program?
The program is sponsored by JUF’s Israel Education Center and JUF News. Seminars are led by an experienced team of journalists, educators, advocates and professionals from a spectrum of the pro-Israel world. Guest lecturers and teachers come from the media, academia, the rabbinate and Israeli government agencies, among others.
Will I get personal attention?
All Junior Fellows are assigned to a mentor who works with them in small groups and in one-on-one settings to ensure they are getting the most from the program. Written work is reviewed and substantive feedback is delivered each month. Fellows and their parents always can turn to mentors or the program director to discuss individual needs or to pursue specific areas of interest.
What does it cost?
Write On for Israel is funded generously by the Avi Chai Foundation and JUF's Israel Education Center. Thanks to this support, participants pay only $2,000 for the two-year program, $500 of which is refundable upon successful completion of all program requirements. Some other small fees may apply. Note: Nobody will be turned away because of financial need. Prospective Fellows should complete an application and, upon acceptance, they will have an opportunity to seek financial aid.
Can I use S.K.I.P. savings to pay for the program?
If your family participates in JUF’s Send A Kid to Israel (S.K.I.P.) program you can use the funds you’ve saved to pay for all or part of the Write On for Israel participation fee. More details are available here.
Does the program endorse a specific ideology or political line?
We expect Fellows to endorse the belief that the state of Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state in the Middle East. Beyond that big-tent statement, we do not tell Fellows what policies to endorse or what to think. We do demand that every participant in the program engage in rigorous critical thinking.
Does the program follow a specific religious observance?
Write On for Israel is open to Jewish high school students. Our Fellows come from public and private schools, and from homes that are affiliated with all of the major religious denominations. We take steps to ensure that Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and unaffiliated Fellows all feel equally welcome. All food served at seminars and in Israel is kosher, and time is allotted for Fellows who wish to pray. In Israel, our program observes Shabbat, and we ensure that every Fellow’s religious needs are met.